The Department of Veteran Affairs has just announced details for this weekend, the commemoration of the 90th anniversary of The Battle of Vimy Ridge. As I mentioned earlier, I will be travelling with Prime Minister Harper to France for the ceremony there.
Here’s the rundown of events in Canada and France:
OTTAWA
Thursday, April 5, 12:15
Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Place
Departure Event and Launch of Vimy Commemorative Coin
Official send-off for the Veterans Affairs Canada contingent and unveiling of the new Vimy coin by the Royal Canadian Mint.
The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs; Ian Bennett, President of the Royal Canadian Mint; and Joe Geurts, CEO of the Canadian War Museum will be in attendance.
Sunday, April 8, 19:30
National War Memorial
Confederation Square,
corner of Elgin and
Wellington Streets
The Vimy Vigil
The names of the 3,598 Canadians who died during the Battle of Vimy Ridge will be illuminated one at a time on the Memorial, as well as photographic images of Canadians who served in the First World War.
Veterans, youth, MP Royal Galipeau and Canadian actor, R.H. Thomson (originator of the Vigil) will be in attendance.
Monday, April 9, 11:30
National War Memorial
Confederation Square,
corner of Elgin and
Wellington Streets
National Ceremony of Remembrance and Wreath-Laying The ceremony pays homage to the sacrifices, and recognizes the achievements, of all those who participated in the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada and the Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence will be in attendance.
France
Saturday, April 7, 10:00
La Chaudiere Military
Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais
Burial of Private Herbert Peterson
Interment service for First World War soldier, Private Peterson, whose remains were discovered in Avion, a town near Vimy.
Those in attendance will include the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, 26th Governor General of Canada; the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs; General Rick J. Hillier, Chief of Defence Staff, Canada; Claude Laverdure, Ambassador of Canada to France; and Madame Sandelle D. Scrimshaw, Minister Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Canada in France.
Saturday, April 7, 15:00
Givenchy-en-Gohelle
Plaque Unveiling
Unveiling of the plaque “Square des Byng Boys” by Mayor Robert Mieloch, the Mayor of Givenchy-en-Gohelle, and the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs.
The soldiers in the Canadian Corps greatly respected Lieutenant General Sir Julian Byng, their Corps Commander, and would often call themselves the Byng Boys. “Square des Byng Boys” shows a remarkable knowledge and appreciation of Canadian military history by the town of Givenchy-en-Gohelle.
Saturday, April 7, 16:00
Thelus
Plaque Unveiling
Unveiling of the plaque “Rue des Artilleurs Canadiens” by Mayor Bernard Milleville, the Mayor of Thelus and the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs.
The Canadian artillery monument stands in the town of Thelus in France. It sits at the intersection of the roads that connect Arras, Thelus and Farbus, and is often referred to as the “Canadian gunners' road.”
Saturday, April 7, 20:30
Canadian National Vimy
Memorial
Lighting Presentation
Beginning with a candlelight procession from the back to the front of the monument and then using music, lighting and narrative, the 30-minute Lighting Presentation will offer a quiet time to reflect on the meaning of the Vimy Memorial. It will begin once darkness has fallen and will finish with the lighting of the entire monument.
Those in attendance will include the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, 26th Governor General of Canada; the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs; the Honourable Michael M. Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services; and General Rick J. Hillier, Chief of Defence Staff, Canada.
Sunday, April 8, 14:00
Place des Heros, Arras
Freedom of the City in Arras
The ceremonial granting of the Freedom of the City will take place in the Place des Heros in front of City Hall. The event consists of a military parade and ceremony.
Guests will include the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada; the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs; the Honourable Michael M. Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services; General Rick J. Hillier, Chief of Defence Staff, Canada; Mr. Claude Laverdure, Ambassador of Canada to France; and Madame Sandelle D. Scrimshaw, Minister Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Canada in France.
Monday, April 9, 15:00
Canadian National Vimy
Memorial
Ceremony of Remembrance and dedication of the newly restored
Canadian National Vimy Memorial The ceremony pays homage to the sacrifices and recognizes the achievements of all those who participated in the Battle of Vimy Ridge and highlights the importance of youth in remembrance.
Her Majesty The Queen, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Mr. Dominique de Villepin, Prime Minister of the Republic of France, are confirmed to attend this event.
Note – Events in France are listed in local time.
Restoration of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial is now officially complete. The site is once again open to the public, with some restrictions.